Many cheering him on

Community rallies for Tyngsboro teen as he works to recover from snowboarding accident

By Sarah Favot, sfavot@lowellsun.com

Updated:
01/23/2013 09:02:20 AM EST

TYNGSBORO -- Jack Trottier is a fighter on the football field and will also be a fighter in his next challenge, friends and family say, as he works to regain the use of the lower half of his body.

"His toughness always came to my mind that if anybody can handle something like this, it's him," said Barry Dick, Trottier's former youth-football coach and one of the organizers behind the effort to raise funds for the Trottier family.

Trottier was injured last Wednesday while snowboarding at a friend's house on Old Stonehill Road. Trottier and his friends had made jumps in the backyard during a snow day from school, something they do often, said Jack's sister-in-law, Angela Trottier.

As Jack was coming down from the jump, he landed on his neck and shoulders.

He was wearing a helmet.

He lost feeling in his legs immediately after the accident, Deputy Police Chief Richard Howe said.

The 17-year-old Tyngsboro High junior is an experienced snowboarder and snowboarding instructor at Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford.

After having surgery last week, Jack is recovering in the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital in Boston. He doesn't have movement from his chest down.

He has bruising and swelling on his spine due to the accident.

Doctors have recommended that he go to one of the top-ranked rehabilitation centers for brain and spinal-cord injuries in the nation, the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.

Since news of the accident, there has been an outpouring of support from the Tyngsboro community.

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Dick started the "Get Jack Better" fund through the Tiger Football Club to help the family with expenses related to Jack's recovery.

"I consider him one of my boys," said Dick, who is also a School Committee member and owner of Dick Insurance Agency, in Tewksbury. "He's a good kid who worked hard for you. He's a tough, tough kid, a great worker, a great athlete and a team guy."

Dick said from the days when Jack was a young boy on his youth football team, when Jack took a hit, he wouldn't go to the sidelines to take a break or a drink of water. He would stay on the field.

"He was a tough leader," said Dick.

Jack led the Tyngsboro High School football team as quarterback to a 10-2 record last season. He also plays lacrosse.

Dick said he believes it's Jack's work ethic and spirit that is carrying him through.

"He's in good spirits. I think that's the sports piece, the athletics, the way he's always been a positive kid and a role model for his teammates," said Dick.

Angela Trottier, who married Jack's older brother Ian two years ago, said Jack is now preparing for his recovery.

"He's anxious. He just wants to get the ball rolling," said Angela.

The family is preparing to go down to Atlanta for a six-week program.

"We're praying as soon as the swelling goes down, he's going to have movement," Angela said.

Tyngsboro High Principal Michael Woodlock said Jack's classmates and teammates are coming up with ideas of how to support Jack and his family.

"There's been a big push from his fellow students to do something for him and his family. We're trying to work with them and a lot of community groups are coming forward. We're going to meet with those groups and see if we can come together," said Woodlock.

"He's a well-respected student here. Well-liked by his teachers, staff and kids alike. We're praying for him and hope he's going to be well," Woodlock said.

Dick said he will be organizing a fundraising event for Jack in early March. Details are being worked out.

Nancy Byrne, Nashoba Valley Ski Area's ski school and snowboard director, said Jack has worked for her part time as a snowboard instructor for two or three years.

"He's an awesome young boy and we're looking forward to his return," she said.

Donations can be sent to Dick Insurance Agency c/o Barry Dick, 461 Main St., Tewksbury, MA 01876. Checks can be made out to: Tiger Football Club "Get Jack Better" fund.

Anyone who would like to contact the family to offer items to donate to a fundraiser, can email getjackbetter@yahoo.com.

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